This is a question schools often ask. As educators, we know the value of getting pupils to read, but do our pupils understand the many benefits? Why not share what we know with our pupils by telling them the real reasons to read.

Reasons to Love Reading

First and foremost, remind students that reading is not only fun, but also explain that it has a positive impact on our learning.

Share with them that both fiction and non-fiction develops knowledge and explain how this helps them connect ideas.

Discuss that reading helps us to learn new words and phrases we can use in our everyday conversations or writing.

Explain how it also allows us to explore things we may not be able to experience first-hand and helps us to develop empathy too.

Tell them that the more they read, the better their comprehension and spelling of tricky words will be.

Why is it a good strategy?

Children truly want to do well. If we are upfront with what research tells us about the benefits of reading it gives pupils a chance to see it as an investment in their learning.

Tip

Give specific examples for how each ‘real reason to read’ will benefit them later in life. Example: when you have a job interview, using a rich range of vocabulary will help you stand out and more likely to get the job!

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Hanna Beech

Hanna Beech has been teaching for ten years and has a range of experience across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a large Primary School in Kent. She is a phase leader for Years 3 and 4, and also leads on teaching and learning for the setting. Her absolute passion is pupil wellbeing and involvement, and finding ways to ensure that learning is optimised for all. She is fascinated by all subjects relating to education, but spends a lot of time reading around the science behind learning and the learning brain.